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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

How to Prepare for Interview

PREPARING A RESUME

A resume is a brief summary of one's career written in a paragraph
format. A curriculum Vitae or CV is a structured delineation of one's
educational qualifications and work experience. In India, both the terms are
used interchangeably.

A standard CV will incorporate the following details.

• Name

• Education

• Professional Qualifications

• Work experience (it any)

• Extracurricular interests

• Special achievements

• References

However, the essential parts of a CV can be divided into the following
heads.

The
Heading

• The heading will Include one's name, address, telephone number, e-mail
(if any)' and the position applied for.

Reference
Profile

• If
one has little or no work experience then the resume could start with the side
head "Education". If one has sufficient work experience, then it
would be ideal to start
the resume with the side head "Work experience". While writing the
work experience, one must include all significant work in reverse chronological
order.

Education

• Education is an important part of one's resume. One must include one's
degree, specialization, institutions attended, date of graduation, subsidiary
subjects studied, and any special workshops, seminars, related courses or
projects.

Additional
information

• Any
information that doesn't fall under the above categories could come under
additional information, This could include your special interests, the
languages you know, computer knowledge you possess and the honors and awards
you have won. The point is to impress your recruiter.

References

• One must include two or three reference in one's resume to lend it credibility.
You must obtain the prior permission of the persons you intend to present as
references. The references should be those who you have worked under or persons
who have taught you at college.

QUESTIONS USUALLY ASKED IN INTERVIEWS

• Tell me about yourself

• What are your hobbles?

• Why do you want to be a programmer/analyst/copywriter...., etc?

• If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?

• Why didn't you go for higher studies?

• What does success mean 10 you?

• Where do you plan to be 5 years from now?

• Tell us about your achievements

•What are your strengths?

• What are your weaknesses?

• Why should we give you this, job?

•If you were to write your own obituary, what would you write?

•What subject did you like best in school/college?

•Why math’s/English/physics.....?

• Which newspapers/magazines do you read regularly?

•.Which page in the newspaper do you turn to first?

•Which programs do you watch on TV?

• What is your favorite book?

•What are you reading now?

• What do you like to do when you are free?

• What games do you play?

• When do you find time to play cricket/badminton/ tennis....?

• Why do you want to leave your present job?

• Why do you change jobs so frequently?

• What will you do if you are not selected?

• What will you do if you fail in this interview?

• Describe your dream job?

• What kind of people do you enjoy working with?

• Who is your role model and Why?

• How long do you plan to work here before moving out

•What are you looking for from life?

How to Face interviews Successfully

Presenting Oneself and Documents

ØUse formal dress to appear or an interview.

ØAvoid using new clothes because one may not know how to function
in them.

ØIt is not wise to change usual hair styles or clothing patterns as
they will inconvenience the candidate.

ØUse executive clothing, deep and bright colors may not Suit the
occasion.

ØClothes have to be clean and ironed to represent order and
discipline.

ØCarry a pen in the pocket or in the folder.

ØCarry all [he documents in an order in a folder.

ØAvoid carrying documents in an envelope as it will take time to
show them to the interviewers.

ØCarry only relevant documents.

ØCopy of the application sent and bio data and certificate of
Qualifying examination are important documents.

ØCarrying certificates and documents in a plastic bag will not give
an impression of quality and class.

ØDo not present any certificate or document unless asked for.

ØRemember to collect all the certificates given perusal at the
Interview.

ØEntry, Seating and Exit

ØKnock at the door and then enter even if your name is called out

ØGreet the interviewers as soon as you enter the lady first and the
gentlemen thereafter.

ØSit down only after you are asked to.

ØRemember to say 'Thank You' before being seated.

ØAvoid pulling a chair, Instead, lift it is necessary and always
enter [rom the right side of the chair.

ØSit without crossing legs and sit straight.

ØLook at the interviewers instead of looking down.

ØKeep whatever paper materials you carry on your lap, and not on
the table.

ØBend forward while answering Questions.

ØWhile answering a questioner remember to look at the other
interviewers also Avoid fidgeting like touching moustache, scratching nose or
arranging hair.

ØAvoid carrying anything like a key bunch or a pen in your hands.

ØAt the end of the interview, get up and move out only after
thanking the interviewers.

ØWhile moving out step back first, then tum and Walk away.

Answering Questions:

ØListen to Questions carefully to comprehend. If you have not
understood a question politely request for a repeat.

Ø Be firm when you are sure,
otherwise start statements with "l think" or ‘As far as | know".

Ø Mouth all words clearly and
speak loud enough to hear.

Ø Answer immediately without
wasting time.

ØAvoid being humorous or ironical in your answers.

ØKeep looking at the interviewers and never at other things in the
room or outside.

ØGive authentic information about any details connected with your
bio-data.

ØIt is discourteous to take anything from the table in front of the
interviewer.

ØAvoid tightening a tie or pulling at the dress while answering any
question.

ØAnswers should not be given in a raised voice even when 'the
question comes in that manner.

ØAnswer questions in simple single Sentences

Ø Avoid giving additional
information unless asked for.

Ø If you are complimented for
the answers, remember to thank the interviewer.

Ø If your answer or opinions
are rejected by the interviewer, remember to say 'sorry'.

Ø Avoid repealing answers, phrases
or words.

Ø Be aware of mannerisms and
avoid them.

Demeanor and interactions

ØKeep a smiling [ace so as to welcome any question.

ØAvoid any disagreement with the interviewer unless it involves
your belief systems.

Ø If or when an interviewee
has to disagree with the intent to do it politely after pressing regret or
asking for pardon.

Ø It is unwise to contradict
an answer through a subsequent answer.

Ø If an error is brought to
the notice of a candidate, he Should accept the Same.

Ø Use a language that is easy
to understand but formal in its usage.

ØA candidate should avoid offering her hand for a hand
shake. All the same, if offered by the interviewer, she
should accept it

ØWhile a male candidate has to stand up to shake hands. a lady may accept an offer while being seated.

Ø A candidate's behaviour should convince the interviewer about 'Ehe quality of personality that the candidate has.

Ø Avoid any exhibition of emotion about an answer that a candidate considers very dear or correct.

ØThe interviewers should not condemn or depreciate any other
person, group, community or nation during interview.

Ø If or when a candidate Is asked about achievements or successes she should take care to list only those which can be proved
with evidence.

Ø There is nothing wrong in requesting an irterviewer to ask a candidate questions on a subject of her choice.

ØOnce Ire subject is announced as the favoured one, a Candidate should make sure that all questions are answered.

To Emerge
Successful in Group Discussions

Remember these Do's and Don'ts Group discussion has become an integral part of theselection procedure for job recruitment, and admission toquality academic programs. The strategy for success in
voles many do's and don’ts, here are a few vital Don’ts to
be borne in mind at the time of preparation.

The list has
been prepared by a career guidance expert

ØGather full detalls of controversial topics of public 'Interest by following daily news
editorial comments and articles written by
experts in news magazines.